New Delhi, 11 May (H.S.): The Central government has said that, despite the ongoing crisis in West Asia, India has adequate stock of petrol and diesel and the supply of LPG for domestic cooking needs is continuing normally. In the past three days alone, around 1.14 crore domestic LPG cylinders have been delivered against 1.26 crore bookings nationwide.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said at an inter‑ministerial press briefing here that refineries are operating at full capacity and there are no reports of any retail outlet running out of fuel. LPG distributors are also functioning smoothly, with no reports of stock‑out anywhere in the country.

She added that in the last three days:

-More than 17,000 tonnes of commercial LPG have been sold,

-Over 762 tonnes of Auto LPG have been dispensed,

-Over 1.4 lakh 5‑kg LPG cylinders have been delivered,

-Around 93 promotional camps have been organised by oil marketing companies, where more than 2,100 cylinders were sold.

The ministry stressed that fuel availability for both transport and household use remains comfortable and urged the public not to panic‑buy or hoard.

Asim Ar. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the External Affairs Ministry, said the government is closely monitoring developments in the Gulf and West Asia. He said its primary focus is on ensuring the safety and welfare of the large Indian community in the region.

Mahajan noted that the ministry is in continuous contact with state governments and Union Territories to share information and coordinate measures. A special control room has been set up within the ministry to respond to queries from Indian citizens and their families around the clock.

Mahajan said that Indian missions and consulates in the region are running 24×7 helplines to assist nationals in distress. He added that Indian diplomatic and consular posts are also in constant touch with local authorities, ensuring that Indian citizens receive help whenever needed.

Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said the ministry, along with the External Affairs Ministry, overseas missions and other maritime stakeholders, is continually coordinating to safeguard maritime operations and seafarers’ welfare.

He confirmed that all Indian seafarers in the region are safe. In the past three days, there have been no incidents involving Indian‑flagged merchant vessels or Indian seafarers on foreign‑flagged ships. The ministry continues to monitor vessel movements and maintain an elevated security posture in sensitive waters, while insisting that maritime trade and supply chains remain uninterrupted.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar